Instructor Class Description

Arts in Context

Considers literary, visual, performing art forms and traditions set within their specific political, historical, social, religious, or philosophical, and aesthetic contexts. Encourages students to explore original sources and scholarly research, building understanding and awareness of visual, literary, and kinetic analysis and interpretation.

Class description

BISCLA 380, Art Since 1900, Autumn 2011
Explore modern to contemporary art in this class, which will examine European and American painting, printmaking, architecture, photography and sculpture from the early twentieth century to the present, examining twentieth-century art in the contexts of race, gender and social identity, and focusing on issues of historical, political and social change. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the complex and multifaceted art movements of the time period, and will learn to recognize major artists and issues. The course will cover such diverse art movements as Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, Dadaism, Social Realism, Mexican Muralism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and Post-Modernism, as well as artists like Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol and many more.

Student learning goals

In this class students will learn to identify major works of art and place them in art historical contexts.

Students will be able to make comparisons between artistic works and styles, in terms of the movements and time periods to which they belong.

In the class students will learn to relate trends and movements in the visual arts to other art forms such as literature, music and film.

Students will learn about the connections between visual art and twentieth-century history and politics.

Students will be able to conduct scholarly research and write essays about specific works of art in their contexts.

Students will have the opportunity to produce their own creative works of art inspired by the art studied in the course.

General method of instruction

Lecture, discussion, small group work.

Recommended preparation

Strong interest in art and history required. Previous courses in art and art history very desirable.

Class assignments and grading

Research-based essays, art projects, in-class writing and quizzes.

Successful completion of assignments and active class participation.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Deborah Caplow
Date: 06/16/2011

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Modified:April 23, 2014